Safety in your communal areas – our Clear Communal Spaces policy

Engagement / News

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If you live in a block of flats with a communal area or corridor it is important to keep communal areas such as stairs and hallways clear.

You must not story any items in the communal areas.

As your landlord we prioritise the safety of you and others in the block.  We own the communal areas and have a legal obligation to ensure they are free of items that might:

  •  cause or contribute to a fire,
  • present a trip hazard (such as doormats)
  • obstruct your means of escape in the unlikely event of a fire.

If you need to leave the building in an emergency it is vital that you and your family can exit safely. Young children and the elderly especially need clear, safe spaces to pass on stairs and in corridors.

Our Clear Communal Spaces policy covers:

  • Entrances
  • Communal landings
  • Communal lounges in supported schemes
  • Shared stairways
  • Removal of items left in communal spaces

We take a zero-tolerance approach to any items left in a communal space.  If any items are found within a communal space they will be removed, and you will be charged £50 per item to be removed.

We will work with you to look at possible alternative storage solutions for items such as buggies or bikes.

Support is available

You can read more about our Clear Communal Spaces policy here.  We’ve tried to answer the most common questions about changes to the policy. Check out our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) here.